We live in a society that is fascinated by the supernatural. Unfortunately, young people have a curiosity about life and a longing for independence that can lead them into dangerous and destructive lifestyles.
The film industry is meeting this fascination by constantly repackaging witchcraft for their target audience—young people. They know that youth are impressionable and that they are searching for truth as they try to find their place in society.
With the resurgence of cultic entertainment—such as the Harry Potter and Twilight movies, witchcraft has become popular among young people.
Although their introduction to the occult may appear innocent, once they begin to dabble in demonic activity, they are quickly entangled and may find it hard to escape.
Occult practices typically involve some type of interaction between human beings and supernatural entities, or demons, as the Bible calls them.
These demonic spirits attempt to seduce you; if given an entrance to your life, they will try to influence you, both now and in the future. The Bible teaches that occult practices are from the Devil.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 says:
When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not he found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the tire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out front before you.There are three types of occult practices. The first is called divination, which means "the attempt to foretell or explore the future, to shape your life according to what's coming."
(NKJV)
Some of the tools used to do this are astrology (horoscopes, zodiac signs), psychics, tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, dream interpretation and so on.
The second is called magic, which is "the attempt to control the present, our lives, the lives of others and events of nature through ceremonies, charms or spells that are believed to have supernatural powers."
Magic includes Wicca, black magic or sorcery, witch doctors and Satanism. Some practitioners call it magick to distinguish it from magicians who entertain audiences with their illusions.
The third type of occult practice is called spiritism, which attempts to communicate with the dead to receive information and help front them. This includes the use of Ouija boards and séances.
Santeria, Macumba and Voodoo are also forms of witchcraft. Originating in Africa and practiced throughout the world—especially in the Caribbean—these forms of occultism often incorporate images of Christian saints and Jesus as masquerades for devils.
It is important that you are aware of these practices so that you will not be deceived. Many people are falling for these deceptions. Here are some statistics:
- In the U.S. alone, there are more than 10,000 astrologers.
- 40 million people consult their horoscope daily.
- The Church of Satan, based in San Francisco, is a recognized religion with 8,000 members.
- There are 20,000 Santeria priests in Miami and New York.
- In England, there are 9,000 witches.
- In France, there are 60,000 witches with earnings of over $200 million dollars per year.
- In Latin America, there are mediums (people who can supposedly communicate with spirits) by the millions.
To fulfill this mandate, you have to be careful of the things you expose yourself to. The Enemy is subtle and will try to slowly break down your defenses to lure you away from God.
In Africa, the occult tries to dominate society through ancestral worship, witch doctors, charms and many other forms of witchcraft. Nigeria has been said to he one of the most superstitious places on earth.
Many people there have a strong belief in jujus and charms. Black prophets and prophetesses, who lurk in every nook and cranny of Nigeria's cities and countryside, are pushing witchcraft in that nation.
I recently heard of the story about a man named Ashi Tens. He strongly believed in the power of charms—to the point that he thought they could protect him under any circumstance.
He believed that charms even had the power to stop bullets. To prove his point, he asked someone to shoot him in the head. Unfortunately, he was killed.
The only true power in the universe is God. It's through repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior that you can be set free from the bondage of witchcraft. Demons tremble and flee at the name of Jesus (James 2:19).
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, no weapon formed against you will prosper (Isa. 54:17).
The power of God will "live large" within you when the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence. Demonic spirits must vacate the premises, because you have a new owner. You have been bought and paid for with the blood of Jesus, and demons cannot trespass on God's territory.
Allow the power of God's Word to change your direction in life. Isaiah 55:11 says that God's Word will not return to Him void. That means that once the power of his Word is released into the atmosphere, it immediately begins to work for you.
If you or someone you know is caught up in witchcraft, begin to speak God's Word over your life or over his or her life. Realize that as you speak the Word of God, it will come to pass.
Scripture says that death and life are in the power of the tongue, and we shall eat the fruit of our lips (Prov. 18:2 1).
Remember, greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Changing Your World Magazine
Copyright © 2004 Creflo Dollar Ministries All rights reserved.